Stéphane Séjourné proposed to be in charge of industrial strategy

New portfolio for Stéphane Séjourné. The former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Gabriel Attal’s government was officially proposed on Tuesday, September 17, by Ursula von der Leyen to be in charge of the recovery of European industry, a major priority for the coming years. He will be in charge of prosperity and industrial strategy. His nomination must still be approved by the European Parliament. If the MEPs validate it, he will also become Executive Vice-President of the European Commission. Stéphane Séjourné was chosen at the last minute to replace Thierry Breton, who resigned on Monday.

The future Commissioner is an expert in Brussels institutions. He chaired the Renew group (centrists and liberals) in the European Parliament from 2021 to 2024. “He will lead the work to create the conditions for our businesses to thrive, for investment and innovation, and for economic stability, trade and economic security.”said Ursula von der Leyen. Stéphane Séjourné will also be responsible for SMEs and the single market, she specified.